TNA ADM 334 83

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kets etc. The first streak of dawn was now appearing and a Destroyer who had also picked up some of King Orry's crew was dodging off the Harbour. Lord Grey hailed her & asked her to take those we had picked up.
She was the Vivacious and hove to while we transferred the survivors.
The Captain asked if we could go in & fetch troops off for him as he wanted to fill up & be off as soon as possible. I explained to him as politely as I could that we were here for minesweeping, and there were other ships engaged on ferrying. However as I was going back to the Harbour I
would report & do my best. He was not impressed - and I didn't blame himwith my reference to minesweepingm I was frankly gravely worried as the actual gear streaming 500 yards astern of the ships with everybody, Destroyers, schoots, M.T.B.s, rowing-boats & paddle steamers dashing about at full speed, would have presented a serious hazard to the hard job in hand. Besides, in a mined area the gear is far more dangerous to a degaussed ship than a mine.
We then proceeded back to harbour intent on finding Capt. Tennant, & went as far along the Eastern mole as we could, dodging the various wrecks. As soon as we were fast again I got ashore & started walking down the quay against a steady stream of Tommies and a few officers. At last I reached the end of the quay where a number of naval Officers sat. Their uniforms were covered in dust and they all looked extremely tired. They were quite indifferent to the proximity of bombs and the itermittent spatter of machine fun bulletsm an indifference which I did my best to share, though I
am certain I failed to disguise my nervous & profound anxiety. The senior officer was a Commander and to his silent enquiry I replied: "Unit officer of Lord Grey & Clythness to report to Capt. Turner, Sir." "What have you come for?" Here we were, having come over minefields & through a regular deluge of bombs, and our arrival was apparently of no consequence!
Capt. Tennant it appeared was not available.
s/o/
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